Eager for presence in Kirwan
Vinnies buys own store
FOR the first time in more than 20 years, the St Vincent de Paul Society has bucked the leasing trend and purchased a property in Townsville.
The new Vinnies store will open at 375 Charles St, Kirwan, in late August after an extensive fitout.
It will be one of eight Vinnies stores in Townsville.
Vinnies Townsville Diocese executive officer Jenny Manganaro said she was very excited when the settlement went through last Friday.
She said Vinnies already owned two other stores in Townsville, but it was rare for the charity organisation to buy property.
Ms Manganaro said the purchase was a strategic move and showed the group was making a commitment to Townsville and the Kirwan community.
“Vinnies has rented its store on Gollogly Lane in Gumvale for 33 years,” she said.
“We looked at our options when our lease renewals came up.
“We decided we could keep renting or we could see if we could get a loan and buy a building.
“The market supported us and we were able to finally make a commitment to Kirwan. From a strategic planning perspective, we wanted to own a site and put down roots.”
The sale of the 278sq m building was facilitated by Knight Frank agents Renee Nicol and Paul Dury.
Ms Nicol said the site had attracted a lot of interest, especially in a strong buyer’s market, and she was glad that Vinnies had found a home.
“The building is a good for Vinnies,” she said.
“It’s the perfect size and perfect location, being near other services.
fit
“There’s lots of parking and the fact that it stands alone on the main intersection means it stands out as well.”
Within a year, the Mountain View Vinnies store will also relocate to Kirwan.
“Vinnies Kirwan will do all the things a regular Vinnies does,” Ms Manganaro said.
“It will be a family store and we are planning a children’s play area inside as well.
“It will be really welcoming.”
Vinnies has been operating in Queensland for more than 120 years and in Townsville for more than 100 years.
The stores are staffed by volunteers and the money raised goes to those in need throughout the community.
With an extensive fitout planned for the new premises, the former hairdressing salon will be painted in Vinnies colours.
“We want it to look good and we want it to be an asset to the suburb,” Ms Manganaro said.
“We think it has great street presence, it’s centrally located and the location is very prominent.
“It’s important this shop looks as professional and as good as it can.”
From a strategic planning perspective, we wanted to own a site and put down
roots JENNY MANGANARO